How to Stop Sweating: Follow 11 Anti-Sweating Tips
Wearing breathable clothing, drinking enough water, and controlling your weight are ways to prevent excessive sweating. Excessive sweating can be caused by medical conditions, dehydration, and obesity.
No matter how well you dress, running under the hot, humid sun leaves your clothes feeling like sweat! When you sweat a lot (more than other people whose bodies react differently), it can sometimes be uncomfortable, even embarrassing. Although sweating is your body’s response to cooling down, there are times when you want to stop sweating. Your clothing, your humidity level, and even your weight are all factors that can help you stop sweating. For people with excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis, sweat pads and medications are other ways to prevent excessive sweating.
Why do we sweat?
Dermatologist Dr Chinjitha T Davis explains that sweating is a physiological function that helps regulate body temperature by releasing heat from the skin through sweat. Sweat helps cool the body. When the body temperature rises, sweat glands release sweat onto the skin. As sweat evaporates, it cools the skin and blood flows through it. This will help to reduce body temperature. During pregnancy or physical exercise, muscles become hot. Sweating helps to dissipate excess heat and prevent overheating. In hot weather, the body sweats to maintain temperature.
A study published by StatPearls shows that sweat glands are an important part of the body that regulates body temperature. However, excessive sweating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. “Genetics, primary hyperhidrosis (when the nervous system does not function properly), hormonal changes, certain diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, diseases, nervous system diseases, antibiotics and medications such as antibiotics, stress/anxiety, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol are all causes of hyperhidrosis,” said Dr. Davis.
How to stop sweating
1. Use antiperspirants
Antiperspirants contain aluminium-based compounds that temporarily block sweating and reduce sweat reaching the skin. For best results, use them after washing and drying the skin, usually at night. According to the NHS, antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride are often used to treat hyperhidrosis.
2. Wear breathable clothing
Clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics that increase air circulation and help keep skin cool and dry. Avoid synthetic fibers that absorb heat and moisture. According to research published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, wet wipes can help you stay more comfortable while using less energy.
3. Hydration
Drink plenty of water to help regulate body temperature and reduce the need to sweat. The body can cool itself better when it’s well hydrated. In fact, adding salt to your water can help if you’re sweating a lot. A study published in Nutritional Reviews suggests that adding more salt to your drinks is important when you’re sweating a lot. Find out how much water you need each day.
4. Maintain healthy body weight
Another way to avoid sweating is to not be heavy. Being overweight increases sweating because your body has to work harder to maintain its temperature. Losing weight can help reduce how much you sweat. The study, published in Springer’s Hyperhidrosis and Obesity, notes that being overweight and obese are two major factors associated with hyperhidrosis.
5. Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can cause the body to sweat and cause perspiration. Limiting your food and beverage intake can help control sweating. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Intermediate Metabolism found a link between reducing spicy food intake and the frequency of night sweats.
6. Practice stress management
Another way to stop sweating is to avoid stress and anxiety. These can cause sweating, especially in the hands and bottom. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and sweating. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology suggests that increased sweating is associated with anxiety disorders such as anxiety, as well as other phobias. There are many stress management techniques that can help you reduce stress.
7. Use a sweat-absorbent pad or protective cover
Adhesive pads or protectors can be placed inside clothing to absorb sweat and prevent it from reaching the outer layer of clothing, helping to remove visible sweat stains. So while this won’t stop you from sweating, it will help you sweat less.
8. Prescription treatment
Doctors will prescribe antibiotics to people who sweat a lot to reduce sweating. These treatments may contain more active ingredients or other medications that block sweat gland activity. There are also oral medications that can completely reduce sweating but can cause side effects such as dry mouth and eyes and constipation. When an antiperspirant works, you sweat excessively in different areas or areas of your body.
9. Iontophoresis treatment
Iontophoresis is another noninvasive treatment used by dermatologists to treat excessive sweating, especially sweaty palms and feet. Immerse the affected area in water and send a small electrical current through the water to temporarily block the sweat glands. Dr. Davis says this should not be done at home without proper guidance. The treatment is usually done several times a week with follow-up care. It is generally considered safe, although some people may experience irritation or discomfort during the procedure. A study published in the Annals of Dermatology recommends using taps for the procedure.
10. Botox injections
Botulinum toxin injections can temporarily block the blood vessels that feed the sweat glands. This treatment is often used to treat excessive sweating in areas such as the armpits, hands and feet. A study published in the journal Disease found that participants sweated 50% less after Botox injections. Learn about the safety of Botox injections and how to do them.
11. Consider surgery
In severe cases of hyperhidrosis, surgical options such as sympathectomy (cutting the nerves that cause sweating) or removal of the sweat glands may be considered. These surgeries are usually a last resort after other treatments have failed.